DFS Manager - Innovation

KCB Group•Washington, DC

About The Position

This role focuses on driving innovation within the Bank, aligning with business and digital transformation objectives. The manager will be responsible for developing and executing the innovation strategy, identifying emerging trends, managing the innovation portfolio, and fostering a culture of innovation. Key activities include leading ideation sessions, developing concepts into viable business opportunities, collaborating on product development, building partnerships with external entities, conducting market research, managing innovation projects, and monitoring performance against KPIs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
5 years of cumulative experience

Nice To Haves

Professional Qualifications in Product Management
Professional Qualifications in Project Management
Professional Qualifications in AGILE Practices
Master’s degree in a business-related field

Responsibilities

Support the development and execution of the Bank’s innovation strategy aligned with business and digital transformation objectives.
Identify emerging market trends, technologies, and customers’ needs to inform innovation opportunities.
Develop and manage the innovation portfolio and pipeline.
Drive innovation initiatives that support customer acquisition, engagement, revenue growth, and operational excellence.
Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the Bank.
Lead innovation ideation sessions, design-thinking workshops, hackathons, and innovation challenges.
Evaluate, prioritize, and develop innovative concepts into viable business opportunities.
Build and manage processes for idea generation, assessment, incubation, and commercialization.
Facilitate rapid prototyping and proof-of-concept initiatives.
Drive experimentation and agile innovation methodologies.
Collaborate with product teams to convert innovative ideas into customer-centric digital solutions.
Support the design and development of new digital products, channels, and service propositions.
Ensure innovation initiatives address customer pain points and market opportunities.
Participate in business case preparation and innovation investment assessments.
Drive continuous enhancement of existing products and services.
Establish and manage relationships with fintechs, startups, accelerators, innovation hubs, universities, and technology providers.
Identify strategic partnership opportunities that enhance KCB’s digital capabilities.
Evaluate fintech and technology solutions for potential collaboration or integration.
Support ecosystem development initiatives and innovation partnerships.
Represent the Bank in industry innovation forums and engagement platforms.
Conduct customer research, market analysis, and trend assessments to identify innovation opportunities.
Monitor local and global developments in banking, fintech, digital payments, AI, and emerging technologies.
Utilize customer insights to improve products, services, and customer journeys.
Promote human-centered design and customer-centric innovation practices.
Manage innovation projects from concept to implementation.
Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of innovation initiatives.
Monitor project performance, milestones, budgets, and outcomes.
Maintain governance controls for innovation projects, pilots, and proof-of-concept initiatives.
Ensure successful transition of validated innovations into mainstream business operations.
Track innovation initiatives against defined business objectives and KPIs.
Measure innovation outcomes, adoption rates, customer impact, and commercial benefits.
Prepare innovation dashboards, reports, and management updates.
Monitor return on investment and business value realization from innovation projects.
Develop recommendations to strengthen innovation effectiveness and scalability.